Happily Puzzled!

You might be wondering what I am “happily puzzled” about, isn’t it? Well, do you know, today is Puzzle day? Yeah! I really never knew there was any such day that celebrated solving puzzles. But, there is and it has a good reason behind it, too.

We all have solved puzzles right since childhood. Those simple jigsaw puzzles that we tried to put together as little kids, and then, those 1000 pieces puzzles that took a lot more time and effort to put together.

Then, the crossword puzzles and the Sudoku puzzles, the Rubik’s Cube, the Scrabble Game…ah, there are puzzles aplenty!

But, do you remember how deeply engrossed you would get when you were in the midst of solving a puzzle? As kids, we would forget about the homework that needed to be completed; all we were interested in was solving that puzzle. And, the same goes for today, too. For those who regularly solve puzzles will know what I mean.

Solving a crossword puzzle on your way to work, or on a leisurely Sunday, or before going to bed, is such an interesting activity, we forget where the time goes. And, when we complete a puzzle, we are jubilant! It gives such a high solving a crossword or a Sudoku, however easy or cryptic these might be.

Do you know what exactly that puzzle does for you, for your mind, for your brain?

PUZZLES ARE THE BEST WORKOUT FOR OUR BRAIN

The way we give our body a workout through Yoga or a walk/jog/dance, so do we need to give a good workout to our brain. And, solving a puzzle does just that.

It’s akin to sharpening a pencil! When you solve a puzzle, you are sharpening your brain, nudging it awake and making it think, work, make some extra efforts.

This exercise of solving a puzzle revitalizes your brain, sharpens it thoroughly and helps it stay young, ‘wrinkle-free’. In short, solving puzzles is like giving our brain not only a workout but also a thorough ‘body-massage’! And, who doesn’t love a body massage?

PUZZLES ARE THE BEST STRESS-BUSTERS

Last year, when hubby was admitted to the hospital after a Bi-Polar manic episode, I knew my stress levels would definitely drive me over the edge. So, as I sat by his bedside, I busied myself solving puzzles.

It took my mind off the present situation and made me focus completely on the puzzle, giving my mind a much-needed break. This respite refreshed me because I hadn’t been wasting all my time worrying about the situation, or dreading about the future.

We all know, how an idle mind is a devil’s workshop. So, why let the mind sit idle? If you have no work to do, no chores to complete, just sit down with a newspaper and solve all the puzzles printed in there. It will be the best thing you will be doing for yourself.

PUZZLES REDUCE ANXIETY

Because you are concentrating on getting the answer to that puzzle, you are not allowing any thoughts that cause anxiety to enter your mind. And, this, in turn, makes space in your mind for better thoughts.

Be it a crossword puzzle or a game of Scrabble, your mind is busy coming up with words that will help you win the game or complete a puzzle that has been testing your vocabulary skills. Your anxiety is well handled and you are much at peace.

PUZZLES HELP IMPROVE OUR VOCABULARY

Teach your child to play Scrabble or the crossword puzzle and you will help him build a solid vocabulary. It will do the same for you, too. We aren’t familiar with so many words, and often, as we age, are at a loss for words.

The right words elude us, leaving us feeling embarrassed or helpless. Word puzzles are not just entertaining but educative, too.

PUZZLES PROVIDE THE BEST COGNITIVE STIMULATION

Especially to the senior citizens, who are at a greater risk of age-related illnesses of the mind. A puzzle will help them stimulate their mind, give a workout to their brain and keep them occupied in something positive.

Puzzles are considered perfect in preventing the brain from deteriorating. This particular information is something I always come across in articles by medical practitioners.

So, these are quite a lot of reasons why you need to begin solving puzzles if you aren’t already, isn’t it? I love solving the crossword and Sudoku puzzle before bedtime.

My bedside table holds a few newspapers every day, folded in such a way, the puzzles’ page is always on the top, ready to be picked up and worked on before I begin yawning! It really helps me fall asleep soon, you know?

How about you? Which one’s your favorite? Do share.

LOVE,

SHILPA…

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Published by writershilpa

Do you know the secret to living a happy life?
Eat. Pray. Love.
Or, watch what you eat, wish well for all and fill your heart with love!
That's precisely what I try to do through my blogs: 'Metanoia', the wellness blogazine, and 'The S Word', my blog for essays on life.
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27 thoughts on “Happily Puzzled!”

I love jigsaws best of all. We have one with the states of India and the children and I love to do it over and over again. I’m also a Sudoku fan. When I was expecting and on bed rest, those were what I did.

I loved puzzles for a long time. I’d do Sudoku, crosswords, jigsaws and so many more. Word Puzzles were always my favourite. Wonder why I stopped. Actually, I know why. Too much tech and life online. Thanks for the reminder. Important to keep the brain cells creatively active. Will get back to it from February.

I love puzzles. Any form is good. Soduku, 2048, and what not. I even have an online app for brain games. I love the kick I get of high scores. 🙂
Great post, Shilpa! A good reminder to do something today.

Ah puzzles are so much more than an activity! I love crosswords and wouldn’t rest until I get them all right. Soduku is a favorite too and keep my mind occupied and active. However, Scrabble is what I love best! Puzzles are something we should inculcate in our daily life. In the long run, some of it might help us solves life’s puzzles.

I solve the Sudoku and Crossword every night before bed. Hubby asks how I don’t get bored doing it every night! I told him the way he finds cooking to be a de-stressing activity, I find solving puzzles calming me down! 🙂 And, yeah, hoping that this solving puzzles helps me solve Life’s puzzles, too, someday. Although, that’s really just wishful thinking, right? 😛

Inspiring change.

"The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not."

About me

Hi! I am Shilpa, the quintessential Gemini living in the city of dreams, Mumbai. Writing was a secret fantasy that became a reality with this blog. When I am not busy writing, my books and my art keep me company. My writing partners are my pets who offer me precious insights into Life and are a constant source of inspiration to me.
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